What is a Nurse Practitioner?

Nurse Practitioner Definition

A Nurse Practitioner is a RN who has completed a master's degree in nursing (MSN) and training in the diagnosis and management of common medical conditions, including chronic illnesses.  Their primary tasks are:

• Diagnose illness
• Prescribe interventions through interview and physical exam
• Order specific labs and diagnostic testing
• Prescribe medications
• Health care education
• Counseling
• Advice and care to an individual, family, or community.

Work Environment for Nurse Practitioners

• Community Health Centers
• Health Departments
• HMOs
• Home Health Care
• Hospitals
• Hospice Centers
• Nurse Practitioner Offices
• Nursing Homes
• Nursing Schools
• Physician Offices
• Private Offices
• Public Health Departments
• School Clinics
• Veterans Administration Facilities

Education and Training Requirements for a Nurse Practitioner

NPs are required to go for a masters or doctorate degree in nursing to practice as a nurse.  Almost every state has universities which allow students to puruse an advanced degree.  

Licensure and Certification for a Nurse Practitioner

The first step to becoming a NP is that you have to be a RN.  Once you are a RN and you have completed the advanced training, then the next setp is to get licensed by the state.  Once the state license is obtained, then a NP can apply for the national license through one of the following agencies:

• American Association of Critical-Care Nurses
• Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing
• National Certification Board of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners and Nurses
• National Certification Corporation for the Obstetric, Gynecologic, and Neonatal Nursing Specialties
• Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation

How much money Nurse Practitioners Make

The amount of money made by Nurse Practitioners highly depends on the area and speciality they are employed in.  However, they can easily earn six figures in some of the highly paid areas.